A Moment of Silence

A moment of silence please

for those who have fallen,

for those who felt too weak to stand,

for those who aren't given a helping hand.

Why aren't you helping?

A moment of silence

for those who's voices are carried off by the wind,

voices too timid to be heard over our boisterous scenery.

For those who would shrink away from harsh critiques

or enlighten themselves with the prospect of social anxiety.

I feel compassion for those who choose to hide;

for I am among the many that do.

But let us take a moment

for those who feel that running away isn't enough,

who feel the rugged edges of life like scars on their skin.

Who do they go to? Where is their sanctuary?

Not with you.

Instead, they're dying for life.

A moment of silence please

for those who feel alone, in the dark, unwanted.

For those who wish for families that listen.

Who is your child? Your brother? Your sister?

Which of you cry out at night?

So let us all take a moment of silence tonight.